Monday, May 23, 2011

Well, it's time to say goodbye, for a few weeks, anyway. Thank you dear readers for joining me in all my Wyoming exploits. I've had a lot of fun here, and I hope you have, right along with me. I'm going to sign off from the blog for a few weeks, until we get moved and settled in Pittsburgh. I've got a busy week ahead of me packing and preparing, then we will take a few days to make our way east. We plan on meandering, a bit, making our way through North Dakota, a state neither Bri nor I have been to, and then through Minnesota (perhaps we'll see some family) and then on to Pittsburgh. I'll check back in with you all sometime in the middle of June. Until then, be well!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Oh, Wyoming, we've had one heck of a time together! We didn't much like each other at first, but slowly we came to really appreciate each other.

You are harsh, but stunning. I think your extreme weather and ferocious winds made me tougher in a lot of ways, though my body has forgotten how to handle humid, hot days, so we may be at a draw, in that regard. I can now drive in 50 mph winds without much trouble, but I have lost all confidence while driving in the rain. Your waters aren't teeming with scary critters, but boy are they cold. I guess I've learned from you that there are positives and negatives about everywhere I might choose to live, and focusing on the good and unique will help me get the most from every situation.

Wyoming, you made me work hard for a lot of things. Being 70 miles from big-box stores and multiplexes, you made me rethink what was really necessary and important. You made me rely on my neighbors and their small businesses, and helped me realize that how and where I spend my money is important. You made me realize that even in a small town, I can get an incredible pizza, find hip clothes, and even find other amazing artists, in addition to all of my basic needs.

More than anything, you made me appreciate space: space between towns, which helps them retain individual identities; space between cars on the road, which makes for easy driving; and visual space, which can seem to go on forever out here. I can't say I didn't miss trees, but after a while I did find beauty in the plains, and of course the mountains.

I can also say your ties to history made me appreciate the modern conveniences. Being reminded of how pioneers traveled on the Oregon Trail, I am so thankful for paved roads and cars! That may sound silly and fundamental, but I think of the suffering of the people who made their way by wagon and horse and foot, on those trails, which are still visible, when I look west across the state. Wyoming, you have reminded me that our history is really not so far behind us.

I will miss you, Wyoming, but I will take all these lessons with me, and I know they have made me a better person, with a more complete understanding of this vast country. I think we both knew I was not going to stay here forever, but even still, I am sad to go. I take much comfort in knowing that change is slow, here, and that when I bring my future children here to visit, they will see Wyoming much the same as I have seen it.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

I know a lot of you wouldn't believe that I woke up to snow today, so here are the pictures to prove it. It rained all night, and sometime early this morning it turned to snow, and is showing no signs of stopping. If I didn't know better, I would think Wyoming was trying to tell me to leave :)

Speaking of leaving, in preparation for moving, I will be closing my shop on Saturday, May 21st, so if you have been thinking about placing an order, now is the time! My shop will be closed probably through the end of June, as I will need to figure out Pennsylvania's complicated business requirements. Wyoming was a dream state to start a business because everything is so much simpler when you don't file state taxes. Wish me luck figuring it all out!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

As my time in Wyoming comes to an end, I have been making sure to photograph those things that have been on my list. These really neat signs in Cheyenne were on that list, and I happened to catch them about a month ago on a great day with saturated blue skies. There seems to be a lot of cool signage out West - vintage or made new to look like vintage - and it adds such character to these towns.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

A few weeks ago I came across a good-sized herd of deer and they let me get very close to take some photos. For the most part, they didn't seem to mind my presence, but here are a few shots where you can see what they are really thinking. This one seems to me like "Oh crap!"

Monday, May 16, 2011

Good morning, everyone! I hope you all had a nice weekend. I've been feeling sick for a few weeks now, and cabin fever is setting in. I was going through some old photos of the Popo Agie River in Lander, and they are making me itch for some sunlight, the sounds of water rushing over rocks, and the chirping of all the spring birds. I almost want to put my feet in that river, to feel those smooth stones under my feet and the water between my toes, until I remember just how cold mountain streams are!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you all have a great weekend! My husband is finally home from working in PA and AZ for several weeks, and it is so nice to have things feel normal around here, even if it is only until we move in two weeks. We'll have a busy, but happy weekend, I'm sure. See you on Monday!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Here are several shots I took for "Spring Reading," and I will choose two to sell as companions to "Autumn Reading" and "Winter Reading." I think I've chosen the two I like best, but as I sometimes do, I am taking my time to think about it. The first shot is a clear winner, but as for the shot that will be a stack of books, well, I'm still deciding on that one. What do you think?

Monday, May 9, 2011

I've been feeling really under the weather lately - sneezing, itchy eyes, haywire sinuses. I think I have found the culprit - these pretty crab apple blossoms. Spring has just arrived in Wyo and all the trees are coming alive, and this is the first to flower in my yard. It is SO pretty, but, I'm afraid, I'm SO allergic to everything pretty this time of year. I think I may just have to wear a respirator to mow the lawn. And forget sitting outside to read Jane Eyre. I'm afraid we'll have to settle for looking out the window.

I try to find beauty in the everyday, primarily through my photography, which I share here. I also try to keep my brain thinking creatively every day, even if the rest of me is not in the mood, so the posts here are as much for me as they are for you.